Environmental toxicology

The environment may be contaminated with different types of chemicals. Historically, most research has focused on contaminated sites while locations with relatively low level of contamination have received little attention. Based on recent (human related) research, evidence is building that even such low levels of contaminants may result in subtle, chronic effects that may be deleterious for the organisms involved. In this theme, effects of low, chronic exposure of organisms to contaminants is studied. Thesis projects may focus on the immune system, shortening of telomeres and the occurrence of resistant genes in small mammals. Other topics may involve effects of nanomaterials on soil invertebrates, and the occurrence of chemicals in Antarctic organisms (analytical chemistry).

The research topics under this theme are as follows:

Development of Arctic biological indicators for the impact assessment of (new) human activities.

PhD: Ariadna Szczybelski; promotion 2017 (at AEW)

Supervisors: Bart Koelmans (AEW), Nico van den Brink

Fluxes of persistent organic pollutants in the Antarctic benthic ecosystem.

PhD:Artem Krasnobaev; promotion in 2019

Supervisors: Ivonne Rietjens, Nico van den Brink

Toxicokinetics of nanoparticles accumulation in earthworms

PhD: Marta Baccaro; promotion in 2019

Supervisors: Ivonne Rietjens, Nico van den Brink

Long term chronic exposure of small mammals to trace metals and potential effects on immune system

PhD: Diego Garcia Mendoza; promotion in 2020

Supervisors: Ivonne Rietjens, Nico van den Brink

Modulatory effects of lead on the immune system of waterfowl and potential impact on the spread of avian influenza.

PhD: Biyao Han; promotion in 2021

Supervisors: Ivonne Rietjens, Nico van den Brink

Development of a PBK model to predict exposure of small mammals to environmental chemicals based on non-destructively collected samples (urine and/or feces).